Remaining UK countries could veto Scotland’s entry to the EU and lay claim to a third of North Sea oil, it added.

The editorial said: “Does it make sense for Scotland to become an independent nation, ending 300 years of union with England and Wales? And would it make any difference to Americans? The answer to the second question is an unfortunate yes. Provincial politicians imagine themselves alongside Germany and France at European summits.

Here is a fairly concise view of how others see a separate Scotland’s role in the world.

Scottish Tory Deputy Leader Jackson Carlaw

“But the more fragmented Europe becomes, the less it will be able to use its collective strength on the global stage, both in military and diplomatic terms.

“A weaker Europe means a less stable world, and less leverage for the democracies.”

Scottish Tory Deputy Leader Jackson Carlaw said: “Here is a fairly concise view of how others see a separate Scotland’s role in the world.

“As it stands, we have a strong voice and an important role to play by virtue of being part of the UK on organisations like Nato and the UN.”

An SNP spokesman said the party had been in touch with the Post to point out “factual errors”.

He said: “We will submit a letter for publication to the newspaper correcting flaws in the editorial.”